Laparoscopic closure of the renosplenic space in standing horses.

Abstract

To report a technique for laparoscopic ablation of the renosplenic space in standing horses. Development of a technique to perform laparoscopic renosplenic space ablation in standing horses. Five healthy horses, aged 3 to 13 years, weighing 380 to 520 kg. Horses were restrained in standing stocks and sedated with detomidine (0.01 mg/kg intravenously [IV]) and butorphanol (0.01 mg/kg IV). Portal sites in the left paralumbar fossa were infiltrated with 2% mepivacaine. A laparoscopic portal was placed between the 17th and the 18th ribs. Two instrument portals were located caudal to the 18th rib. Closure of the renosplenic space was accomplished by apposing the dorsomedial splenic capsule to the dorsal portion of the renosplenic ligament with 1 polyglactin 910 in a continuous pattern. All horses had repeat laparoscopy 3 weeks after initial surgery. Laparoscopic closure of the renosplenic space required 35 minutes (range, 20-65 minutes) and was successful without intraoperative or postoperative complications. On laparoscopic re-examination at 3 weeks, there was smooth connecting fibrous-like tissue between the dorsal splenic capsule and the dorsal portion of the renosplenic ligament. Laparoscopic closure of the renosplenic space can be efficiently and safely performed in standing horses. Laparoscopic-assisted closure of the renosplenic space can be performed in standing horses and may be useful in preventing recurrent incarceration of viscera in this space.